Table of contents for Issue 1086 in Closer

‘MEGHAN WANTS TO REVEAL THE TRUE KATE’ The war between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton has been raging over the past four years – reaching an explosive peak when the former Suits actress accused her sisterinlaw of leaving her in tears after a row over bridesmaids’ dresses ahead of her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. But that was just the start of a litany of complaints levelled at Kate, 41 – who Meghan, 42, has since accused of being at best cold and “not a hugger”, and at worst, has hinted she was a bully who ignored her cries for help. REVELATIONS And last week the shocking revelations notched up a gear when “Meghan's mouthpiece” Omid Scobie released his new book, Endgame – which sees him again fire shots into…

Her name is on everyone's lips right now as reports grow that This Morning bosses are desperate to sign up Cat Deeley as main host on the daytime show. The whispers follow Cat's successful debut last month, with viewers praising her and Craig Doyle as a “dream team” and “a breath of fresh air”, and one posting, “Such a relief to get two quickwitted, quality, seasoned professionals,” after she also hosted alongside Rylan Clark. Now an insider tells Closer that Cat – who relocated from LA to the UK in 2020 – is the frontrunner to take over from former host Holly Willoughby as a permanent fixture on the show. EMOTIONAL TUG-OF-WAR But, we're told, mum-of-two Cat, 47, is also feeling torn between giving up her quieter family life and…

Single Rachel Howlett, 47, is a gardener and carer from Biggleswade, Beds. She's frugal all year round, especially during the festive season. She says, “I'm extremely careful – I spend £13 a week on food and I avoid turning on my heating or even my lights, using candles instead. I even use a tea bag eight times! “At Christmas, I'm the same. I don't buy decorations, I never send cards and give the bare minimum of presents. A while back I suggested to friends we stopped doing them, and thankfully they agreed. If I do give a present, it'll be a re-gift and if I put it in a gift bag, I ask for the bag back – so I never need to buy wrapping paper. I buy in sales…

Rumours are swirling of trouble in paradise for Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague, after videos of the boxer partying went viral. In videos posted online, Tommy, 24, was spotted rubbing shoulders with singer Chris Brown, 34, and an array of glamorous women in Dubai – while his fiancee stayed home with daughter Bambi, 10 months. Shortly after, Molly-Mae, 24, was spotted without her £600,000 engagement ring. But last week, Venezuela Fury – Tommy's niece and the daughter of boxing legend Tyson Fury, 35 – weighed in on the drama. The 14-year-old wrote online, “Tommy and Molly are perfectly fine, just some private stuff has been happening,” later adding, “They are happier than ever”. Shortly after, Molly-Mae herself appeared to shut down any rumours of a rocky romance by stepping out…

Every night, Crystal Smith hops between the beds of her long-term boyfriend, Tyler, and his best friend Robin, 31. Luckily for Crystal, she doesn't have far to travel as Robin sleeps in the room next door… Crystal and Tyler, 33, were in a monogamous relationship and went on to get engaged and have two children. But when they hit a rough patch, Tyler's best friend Robin became Crystal's rock. When feelings started to develop between the two of them, Robin was eventually invited into Crystal and Tyler's relationship and now, they love life as a trio. Crystal says, “I have two amazing men who love me – I feel so lucky!” Crystal and Tyler's unusual love story began in 2011 when they met through a mutual friend. Crystal, 32, says,…

“My alarm goes off at 5.30am, I put on my trainers, my Pour Moi Energy Strive Sports bra and the matching leggings in leopard print, which is a bit of me! I'm out the door by 6am for a run. After that I take the plunge and get into an ice bath. This is, quite possibly, my favourite ritual of the day. It helps my muscles relax and supports my mental and physical health. “For lunch I'll grab a leafy salad with grilled salmon, check my emails and make calls. If I have an early start the next day, I like to plan my outfit. It's important to have a wardrobe filled with clothes that make you feel like you can conquer anything. After a long day, the highlight is…

ASDA EXTRA SPECIAL BLACK TIGER TEMPURA PRAWNS, £5.50 The perfect festive canape, these chunky king prawns are wrapped in light melt-in-the-mouth tempura batter. Serve with sweet chilli sauce. EXTRA SPECIAL BROWN BUTTER AND RUM MINCE PIES, £2.75 FOR 6 Made using Asda's very first signature flavour, these mince pies are the most indulgent on the market this year. EXTRA SPECIAL SUNDRIED TOMATO STUFFED MONKFISH WRAPPED IN PARMA HAM, £18 The rich tangy sundried tomato sauce goes perfectly with the meaty monkfish and salty prosciutto. EXTRA SPECIAL CHICKEN CROWN WITH BLOSSOM HONEY, LEMON, THYME AND ROAST CHESTNUT STUFFING, £15 PER KG A great turkey alternative, serve with rich chicken gravy and all the trimmings! MERRY AND BRIGHT FESTIVE CUPCAKES, £5.50, SERVES 9 These iced cupcakes featuring cute festive decorations are the…

Break-ups suck. There's no skirting around it, they're simply an inevitable part of having been in love for anyone who's had more than one relationship. Which I imagine is pretty much most of us. But did you know the average Brit will go through five break-ups in their lifetime? My first thought: is it really only five? In the past decade, dating apps have ruled supreme and the “casual relationship” or “situationship” – or whatever label you want to give these non-defined sexual partnerships between two people – have been hugely on the rise. I find these constant stop/start romantic scenarios more emotionally draining and damaging than an “official” relationship and breakup. That's not to negate how both are painful – I've already racked up four true breakups with people…

AFFORDABLE WINE TIPS FOR CHRISTMAS Get the most out of Lidl's famous purse-friendly wines ● FIND AFFORDABLE FIZZ Bubbles don't have to break the bank. Lidl's Prosecco starts at £5.49 and its award-winning Montaudon Champagne is just £14.49. • DON'T STRESS OVER PAIRINGS Panicking over whether to serve red or white with turkey? No need, as most wines are turkey-friendly. For a red, try award-winning Cepa Lebrel Rioja Crianza (£5.99), a fullishbodied white would be Deluxe New Zealand Pinot Gris (£7.79), or for a dry rosé, Exquise Grenache rosé (£7.49). • NEVER WASTE WINE Sometimes you can be left with half-empty bottles. Just put the cork or screwcap back on and put them outside or in the fridge – kept cold, they will stay fresh for three to four days.…

‘SHE'S READY TO RID HERSELF OF THE REMINDERS OF THE WORST TIME IN HER LIFE’ In a candid confession to her fans on social media, Kerry Katona has revealed she's set to go back under the knife to fix her nose, after revealing her past cocaine addiction has caused it to collapse, like her pal, Danniella Westbrook's. Opening up to her 895k Instagram followers last week, Kerry, 42, revealed how a doctor recommended the procedure after inspecting her damaged nose during a consultation for an eye-lift. In videos posted on her Instagram stories, the mum-offive – who's undergone a series of cosmetic surgery procedures over the years – said, “I was offered to get it fixed years ago and I said no, because for me it was a reminder never…

Single mum-oftwo Yasmine Camilla used to think nothing of blowing £2,000 over the Christmas period – from new decorations, special festive pyjamas, brand-new outfits just for the big day and piles of presents under the tree. Stocking fillers alone for her two kids would cost her £600. But she never saved for the occasion, instead she'd stick it all on her credit card and tell herself she'd tackle it in January – except she didn't. Yasmine, 37, a freelance project manager who lives in London with her children, Callum, 10, and Amber, eight, admits, “I never planned, I'd shop at the last minute and in my mind if you wanted to buy something and couldn't afford it, that's what credit cards were for. I hated the idea that anyone would…

She's become one of the UK's most successful TV stars, with a flourishing presenting career, a happy marriage and two daughters set to follow in her showbiz footsteps. But last week, Amanda Holden's painful past came back to haunt her when actor Neil Morrissey – with whom she famously had an affair in 2000 while married to comedian Les Dennis, 70 – made a crude joke about the fling, which led to the breakdown of her seven-year marriage and left her career hanging in the balance. Appearing on the Restless Natives podcast, the former Men Behaving Badly star, 61, joked, “Don't f*** a game show host's wife”, in reference to Les, who at the time presented Family Fortunes. INSENSITIVE Neil's quip – which was one part of his three pieces…

Despite filming taking place in the Australian jungle, this year's contestants have been facing strong winds and wet weather, so TV presenter Scarlette Douglas – who finished in 10th place on the iconic ITV show in 2022 – is relishing watching the show from the safety of her sofa. “I'm loving watching this series, especially from the warmth and comfort of my own home,” she explained at Tombola's Critter Challenge event last week. “Viewers don't realise that the weather can actually be pretty bad out there. It does get quite damp, which definitely adds to the misery.” ‘Along with bad weather, Scarlette, 36, struggled with the lack of food, acknowledging that it would have been helpful to have a professional chef in the jungle to feed her and her fellow…

NEWS She sparked fresh concern over her “terrifying” new face last week after going under the knife yet again in her desperate strive for perfection. Self-confessed surgery addict Katie Price, 45, looked barely recognisable after her latest lip procedure – which she worryingly confessed made her “look like a puffer fish” – and having more bum filler, which she gruesomely shared had been “leaking” during a live podcast event in Manchester. Just two days later, the former glamour model – also known as Jordan – was rushed to hospital after noticing blood oozing from her eye during a red-carpet appearance, which doctors diagnosed as a haemorrhage, likely sparked by stress. SPIRAL And as her daughter Princess’ public profile continues to grow after she signed a megabucks modelling deal earlier this…

With the countdown to Christmas having truly begun, Kate Garraway bravely revealed last week that her husband Derek Draper is back in hospital. And while the Good Morning Britain presenter, 56, described herself as being thrown back into the “visiting game” as Derek, 56, undergoes the second part of a procedure that she hopes will aid his movement, a source tells Closer that Kate is desperate to have her husband home for Christmas Day. TOUGH TIMES The insider says, “It's awful for her and the children to see Derek back in hospital, but they are desperately hoping it won't be for long. “Kate, as ever, is doing her best to try to work through it, but it's been really tough. It's hard enough juggling work and being a mum, but…

Joe Wicks – the fitness guru behind Lean In 15 – has gone back to his roots, promoting fitness and health you can do in easy 15-minute chunks. But this time, in his new book, Feel Good In 15, he's included a 360-degree approach to wellbeing covering things like sleep, mobility, relationships, gratitude and reducing stress, as well as nutrition and fitness. Joe – who shares Indie, five, Marley, four, and Leni, one, with wife Rosie – says, “These things all have to be in harmony with each other, and one can lead to another too. So if you workout in the morning, it might then lead you to make better food choices throughout the day and then sleep better at night.” Read on for Joe's tips for improving your…

GO VEGGIE A TABLE CENTREPIECE FOR EVERYONE TO SHARE CHRISTMAS TREE CHEESE DIP SERVES 16 ● 600g cream cheese ● 180g goat's cheese ● 300g Stilton cheese ● Small bunch of freshly chopped flatleaf parsley or coriander ● 100g breadsticks, broken into 4cm pieces ● 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped ● 3 cherry tomatoes, halved ● 200g pecan nuts ● 1 thick slice Cheddar cheese STEP 1 Using a food processer or hand blender, process the cream cheese, goat's cheese and two thirds of the Stilton with the garlic until smooth. Crumble the remaining Stilton and stir into the mixture. Transfer to a freezer-safe dish and place in the freezer for 30 mins. STEP 2 Remove the cheese mixture from the freezer and shape into a cone. Gently press the chopped…

FORMER PRO BOXER JONNY NELSON, 56, ON HOW HE LOOKS AFTER HIS BODY AND MIND IT'S GOOD TO KEEP TESTING YOURSELF… I make sure to keep challenging myself to break through mental boundaries that can creep up. I like to fast every Monday, not for any health or dietary reasons, rather just to work on my mental strength. Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations helps you to deal with everyday inconveniences in life MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE… I make sure to work out at least once a day, but on average I'll exercise twice a day, five times a week. Nothing beats a dose of endorphins! I LOVE TO MEDITATE BEFORE BED… I'll put my phone out of sight, have some water and a turmeric supplement and listen to a meditation video.…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK AMANDA HOLDEN Proving pastel colours work in winter too, Amanda stepped out in a pink tailored suit, showcasing the perfect option for layering to keep warm this season. Dress this outfit down with loafers, or stick to Amanda's styling for an elevated look. Here's how to wear this vibrant hue for less… FASHION WO RTH TALKING ABOUT! Ashley Graham The model turned up the glam in head-to-toe Skims, embellished with Swarovski crystals. A sparkly sheer dress paired with metallic heels is perfect for the festive season. Kim Kardashian Kim never fails to inspire us with her statement outfits, and this bejewelled ensemble is the perfect look for New Year's Eve. Pair with barelythere heels to finish the look. IN THE NEWS… GEORGE AT ASDA, ADAPTED RANGE…

SUPERMARKET SPECIAL! ICE QUEEN Frozen fans will love this adorable Disney nail polish set. with characters from the film, including Elsa and Anna. ONE-POT WONDER Whip up hearty stews, soups and curries with this 3.3l casserole dish. It looks great kept on the countertop too! SCRUB UP Gift the man in your life a spa experience at home with this set. He can make full use of the faux-leather washbag, too. CLASSY LADY Ideal for a friend or sister, these faur-fux animal cuff gloves will add a trendy twist to outfits on chilly days. SNUGGLE UP This cable-knit blanket is perfect for anyone who wants to add a cosy and rustic feel to their home. SOCK IT TO THEM Behind each of the 12 doors of this calendar is a…

“It's not a smooth relationship with Keanu and Sharon, and it's probably quite toxic at times. However, there is deep lust and love for one another, and I think Keanu is trying to play the whole, ‘ignorance is bliss’ card – what she doesn't know won't hurt her. He's not evil, he just makes poor choices and doesn't think before his actions.” On how Keanu would react to Sharon's own massive secret – the matter of Albie being Phil's biological son, not Keanu's – Danny adds, “I think if Keanu were to ever find out, his whole world would be crushed. It would be so devastating and heart-breaking.” FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnline…

FILM NIGHT THE BEST MOVIE RELEASES Wonka IN CINEMAS 8 DEC Looking for some magic and wonder right now? This film is your golden ticket to joy! The whimsical tale focuses on a young Willy Wonka before he became the chocolate-loving inventor that we all know and love. The quirky magician (played by Timothee Chalamet) meets all kinds of bizarre characters along the way, and the special effects and playful story guarantee a smile. Your Christmas Or Mine 2 ON PRIME VIDEO FROM 8 DEC This sequel to last year's snowy romcom sees young couple James and Hayley get caught up in yet another festive mix up! This time round, the pair and their families have decided to head off on a French skiing trip, but after some confusion at…

SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV – 21 DEC Now is an important time for you as the December New Moon prepares to light up your sign, alongside determined Mars also in Sagittarius. If ever there were a time for you to go for it, in terms of chasing your dreams, it's now! Don't wait for 2024! Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK You can expect to have a pretty busy year and to get a lot done. Do lean into your drive and determination, but also be beware if you know you have a short fuse – it could get lit! If you feel like you want a restart in life, the year ahead offers exactly that.…

5-11 DECEMBER CANCER 21 JUN – 22 JUL Every year at around about this time, you get a message from the universe: it's time to get back on track with your daily routines and every little thing it takes for you to feel functional. Make a list now and start to put changes in place. 2024 can be amazing. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope LEO 23 JUL – 22 AUG Some star signs need peace and quiet, but I think it's fair to say that Leos need fun! The December new moon is going to be triggering your Fun Zone, with fiery Mars in there as well. It should be a pretty great silly season for you. The pressure is off! Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope CAPRICORN 22…

Keen pilot Carol finally accepts that, without the aid of an aircraft, she is never going to be able to fly. To be fair, Rob, our heating is on the blink so the chance to gather round a barbecue seems more appealing than ever right now – we'll take one! GRUMPY GRAM Lizzo hates Xmas – nothing is ever allowed to outsparkle her outfit and especially not a tree! Take it down NOW!…

NEWS Making a rare appearance with her boyfriend Johnny Lloyd last month, Billie Piper was spotted enjoying Bonfire Night celebrations with her beau and their four-year-old daughter, Tallulah. Insiders say the twice-divorced actress, 41, is set to wed the musician, 37, after telling friends about their plans to elope. A source says, “Billie's had two big weddings and is adamant that if she gets hitched again, it will be small and intimate. “She and Johnny have spoken about getting married and how they'd love to sneak away and marry in Italy with just a handful of loved ones.” The former pop star – who also shares sons Winston, 14, and Eugene, ten, with exhusband Laurence Fox, 35 – was reportedly left “humiliated and betrayed” after learning the actor was “wooing…

Ripping open the brown paper bag, Amy Harris inhaled the smell of the crispy, golden fried nuggets and a juicy burger. Within minutes, it had all gone and Amy hid the wrappers at the bottom of the bin so no one could see her secret order. Amy, 35, had always struggled with her weight, but no one knew about her secret daily McDonald's deliveries. When she started having health problems though, she knew she had to make some big changes. COMFORT When she came across a competition where the prize was a free gastric sleeve operation, Amy entered – and to her surprise, won! In December 2021, she underwent the lifechanging operation and within 10 months had lost nearly 9st. Amy says, “Winning that competition was the best Christmas present…

Gwyneth Paltrow has shared a sweet snap of her and Dakota Johnson – proving that not all break-ups end badly. The actress, 51, spent Thanksgiving with ex-husband Chris Martin, 46, and his partner of six years, Dakota, 34. It's not the first time Gwyneth has shared her love for her ex-husband's new flame. Last month, the Goop founder said, “Dakota and I are actually very good friends. She's an adorable, wonderful person.” Gwyneth was married to the Coldplay singer from 2003 until 2016, and they share daughter Apple, 19, and son Moses, 17. Chris was first linked to 50 Shades Of Grey's Dakota in 2017, with Gwyneth marrying director Brad Falchuk, 52, the following year.…

With her iconic leopard-print outfits, larger than life laugh and infectious energy, Mel B, aka Scary Spice, was an inspiration to a generation. Along with the rest of the Spice Girls, championing women via “girl power” was at the core of what they represented. But almost three decades since Wannabe stormed the charts, Mel, 48, has stayed true to that message and isn't giving self deprecation any attention. TV PRESSURES Mel, who is working with Pour Moi on their Own Your Confidence campaign, says, “I've always felt confident in my own skin. I was born a working class kid in Leeds in the 1970s. My dad was black – from Nevis – and my mum was a blue-eyed, blonde-haired English rose. I was brown. My skin was different to most…

INSIDE HARPREET'S FRIDGE ● Lemons ● Eggs ● Limes ● Philadelphia ● Greek yoghurt ● Garlic paste ● Ginger paste ● Dark chocolate ● Bananas ● Tofu ● Salmon ● Katsu curry sauce ● Salad ● Green curry paste ● Red onion ● Sweet potato ● Avocado ● Red chilli ● Mangetout ● Raspberries ● Cucumber ● Blueberries ● Broccoli ● Lettuce ● Peppers ● Coriander ● Tomatoes ● Sparkling water ● Orange juice ● Almond milk VERDICT CLOSER NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS, “Harpreet's fridge is packed with nutritious ingredients from the four main food groups – fruit and veg, starchy carbs, dairy and protein-rich foods. This makes it easy for her to eat a healthy diet. It's great to see she's combining fibre and protein-rich foods like oats, fruit,…

ALL ABOUT YOU! DON'T DREAD A LONELY CHRISTMAS Every year, millions of people spend the festivities alone. Some choose to, others would rather be surrounded by loved ones. If you worry you'll be lonely, there's plenty you can do It's important to take the stigma away from spending Christmas alone. Some people choose it because it involves less stress, more opportunity to relax and less conflict. But if you hate the idea of being alone, reach out – let people know you'll be spending it by yourself and that you would rather have some company. You may be invited to pop over at some point – for lunch, a drink or a walk. Equally, if you know somebody who might be by themselves, ask about their plans and invite them…

1 MUST-HAVE KNIT Jumper season has arrived, so keep the chill at bay in this chunky knit from F&F. Combining vintage-style cable knit with fun fringing, it's elevated without feeling OTT. Wear with straightleg jeans and boots for an easy everyday look. JUMPER, £27.50, F&F AT TESCO 2 DO-IT-ALL DRESS If you swore by the throw-it-on dress last summer, you need to try the winter equivalent – the knit dress. This one from Nutmeg offers serious versatility, simply pair with chunky loafers for a stylish day look, then switch to heeled knee-length boots for the perfect dinner and drinks outfit. DRESS, NUTMEG AT MORRISONS, £18 3 PARTY LOOK A mini dress and platforms is about to be your Christmas party uniform, and so this duo from Tu should be high on your…

TV WEEK: 9-15 DEC 1 MARY BERRY'S HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS A MAGICAL WINTER BREAK WED 13 DEC, 9PM, BBC1 Getting us into the festive spirit nicely, Dame Mary Berry is on the Hogwarts Express (well, it's the Jacobite Steam Train, but it looks very similar), making her way to the Highlands for this warm and cosy seasonal special. With a Scottish mother, it's in her genes, and Mary sets about rustling up classic dishes we can all copy at home. Of course, this being Yuletide, she's joined by some special guests (Andy Murray, Iain Stirling and Emeli Sandé), and it couldn't get more Christmassy with snow (which Mary is adorably excited by – heart!), reindeer, a Yule log, bagpipes, carols – and the odd drop of sherry. Grab the mulled wine…

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